1. What is Asexuality?

Asexuality is defined as a lack of sexual attraction. An asexual individual is a person who does not experience sexual attraction. Asexuality is a sexual orientation. It refers to sexual attraction, not romantic attraction. A person’s romantic orientation refers to who, if any, they are romantically attracted to. Sexual orientation and romantic orientation are distinctly different. For example, a person could identify as asexual bi-romantic, meaning they do not experience sexual attraction but experience romantic attraction to multiple genders.

There is great diversity among the asexual community. Every asexual person experiences things such as relationships, attraction and arousal differently. All are valid. Other related orientations include gray-sexuality and and demi-sexuality.

2. Asexuality is not Asexual Reproduction.

Asexual reproduction is a type of reproduction where a single organism can produce offspring which inherit genes from the single parent. Humans do not reproduce asexually. Asexuality is a sexual orientation that deals with sexual attraction, not reproduction.

3. Asexuality is not Celibacy.

Celibacy is a choice to refrain from sexual activity, and it has no impact on a person’s sexual orientation. Asexuals can choose to engage in sexual activities without feeling sexual attraction. Being asexual does not imply an aversion or repulsion to sex; however, there are members of the community who are sex-repulsed or disinterested in sex.

4. Asexuality is not Unhealthy.

A common struggle for the asexual community is the idea that sex is a necessary part of being human, that those who do not participate in it or desire it are lacking or deficient in some way. That is incorrect. Neither sexual attraction nor sexual attraction are needed to life a healthy, fulfilling life. Sex is also not a necessity in a healthy romantic relationship.

5. Discrimination

The asexual community faces a variety of discrimination from both within and without the LGBTQ+ community. A major reason for discrimination comes from ignorance. Asexuality is not represented in the media and not talked about vocally in the LGBTQ+ community. Educating others about asexuality is vitally important to fighting this discrimination and helping the community as a whole.

Members of the asexual community, always remember: You are not wrong. You are not sick. You are not broken. You are not alone. You are enough.

To learn more about asexuality, check out the Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN).